Dilyse

Q: 27" iMac RAM memory orientation?

Hi-  I just purchased a 27" iMac with Retina.  Included only 8GB of memory from the start and now I want to increase it.  Everything I've read says that going to a full 32GB is overkill for most users.  While I'll be creating HD movies and DVDs using iMovie and iDVD from time to time, I am by no means a power user. And I'd like to limit the amount I spend for now.

 

Can I purchase two 8GB sticks and insert them into the two open slots for a total of 24GB?

 

If so do I need to worry about which slots the original 4GB sticks are in vs the two new 8GB sticks? In other words can I simply insert the new ones into the two open bottom slots?

 

Thanks!

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Jan 5, 2015 11:37 AM

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Q: 27" iMac RAM memory orientation?

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  • by seventy one,

    seventy one seventy one Jan 5, 2015 3:13 PM in response to Dilyse
    Level 6 (15,302 points)
    Peripherals
    Jan 5, 2015 3:13 PM in response to Dilyse

    Ideally the Memory should be balanced.   It is not absolutely essential but in principal that would mean buying 2 x 8Gb for the two other slots as you propose.

     

    Perhaps you could find a moment to clarify your profile.   It is particularly helpful when you ask questions.   I am puzzled as to how you have 'just' bought a 27' iMac with Retina yet are using the Lion (OS 10.7.5).   

  • by Baby Boomer (USofA),

    Baby Boomer (USofA) Baby Boomer (USofA) Jan 5, 2015 3:41 PM in response to Dilyse
    Level 9 (57,655 points)
    Jan 5, 2015 3:41 PM in response to Dilyse

    Everything I've read says that going to a full 32GB is overkill for most users.

    This is so not true.


    I am not a power user either.  I do the same things you mentioned, then some!  I maxed out my RAM & very happy that I did.


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  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jan 5, 2015 4:45 PM in response to Dilyse
    Level 7 (32,244 points)
    iPad
    Jan 5, 2015 4:45 PM in response to Dilyse

    If you have one of the new iMacs where the RAM slots arranged vertically, it's best to match the RAM in slots 1 and 3 (which is most likely the factory RAM) and in slots 2 and 4. There is not need to match all 4 slots.

     

    If the Mac's slots are arranged in two rows of two next to each other, match them horizontally.

     

    In any case, whatever RAM you decide to buy, buy only from a recommended vendor such as OWC (macsales.com) or Crucial, and simply insert your new RAM modules in the two empty slots.

     

    iMac: How to remove or install memory - Apple Support

  • by Ralph9430,Helpful

    Ralph9430 Ralph9430 Jan 5, 2015 4:55 PM in response to Dilyse
    Level 6 (18,236 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jan 5, 2015 4:55 PM in response to Dilyse

    Yes, you can add 2 X 8 GB memory modules and end up with a total of 24 GB of RAM. That is exactly what I did with my new iMac 5K. Buy your RAM from high quality sites like Other World Computing or Crucial.